Pride Before a Fall
Proverbs 16
The chapter teaches that all a man's works are seen by the Lord, who weighs the heart and establishes the just king's throne, and declares that pride goes before destruction and folly before a fall. It observes that a way can again seem right to a man though it ends in death, and praises the man slow to anger as greater than a mighty warrior.
About these editions
The Septuagint (LXX) in Greek, with Charles Thomson’s 1808 and Sir Lancelot Brenton’s 1851 English translations, set beside the King James Version and the Jewish Masoretic text (JPS 1917) where they align, so you can compare the Greek and the Hebrew. All public domain; choose which to show with the controls above.
Thomson 1808Septuagint
Brenton 1851Septuagint
Greek · BrentonSeptuagint
KJV 1769Masoretic
JPS 1917Masoretic
2
ThomsonALL the works of the humble are manifest in the sight of God; but the wicked shall perish in an evil day.
BrentonAll the works of the humble man are manifest with God; but the ungodly shall perish in an evil day.
GreekΠάντα τὰ ἔργα τοῦ ταπεινοῦ φανερὰ παρὰ τῷ Θεῷ, οἱ δὲ ἀσεβεῖς ἐν ἡμέρᾳ κακῇ ὀλοῦνται.
KJVAll the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the LORD weigheth the spirits.
JPS—
5
ThomsonEvery proud-minded man is impure in the sight of God: and he who hath joined hand to hand unjustly shall not go unpunished.
BrentonEvery one that is proud in heart is unclean before God, and he that unjustly strikes hands with hand shall not be held guiltless.
GreekἈκάθαρτος παρὰ Θεῷ πᾶς ὑψηλοκάρδιος, χειρὶ δὲ χεῖρας ἐμβαλὼν ἀδίκως οὐκ ἀθωωθήσεται·
KJVEvery one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD: though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished.
JPSEvery one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD; My hand upon it! he shall not be unpunished.
7
ThomsonThe beginning of a good way is to do things just and acceptable in the sight of God, rather than to offer sacrifices.
BrentonThe beginning of a good way is to do justly; and it is more acceptable with God than to offer sacrifices.
Greekἀρχὴ ὁδοῦ ἀγαθῆς τὸ ποιεῖν τὰ δίκαια, δεκτὰ δὲ παρὰ Θεῷ μᾶλλον ἢ θύειν θυσίας·
KJV—
JPS—
8
ThomsonHe who seeketh the Lord shall find knowledge with righteousness. And they who seek Him early shall find peace.
BrentonHe that seeks the Lord shall find knowledge with righteousness: and they that rightly seek him shall find peace.
Greekὁ ζητῶν τὸν Κύριον εὑρήσει γνῶσιν μετὰ δικαιοσύνης, οἱ δὲ ὀρθῶς ζητοῦντες αὐτὸν εὑρήσουσιν εἰρήνην.
KJV—
JPS—
9
ThomsonAll the works of the Lord are with righteousness: but the wicked is kept for an evil day.
BrentonAll the works of the Lord are done with righteousness; and the ungodly man is kept for the evil day.
GreekΠάντα τὰ ἔργα τοῦ Κυρίου μετὰ δικαιοσύνης, φυλάσσεται δὲ ὁ ἀσεβὴς εἰς ἡμέραν κακήν.
KJV—
JPS—
10
ThomsonDivine sentence is in the mouth of a king: therefore his mouth should nor err in judgment.
BrentonThere is an oracle upon the lips of a king; and his mouth shall not err in judgment.
GreekΜαντεῖον ἐπὶ χείλεσι βασιλέως, ἐν δὲ κρίσει οὐ μὴ πλανηθῇ τὸ στόμα αὐτοῦ.
KJVA divine sentence is in the lips of the king: his mouth transgresseth not in judgment.
JPSA divine sentence is in the lips of the king; His mouth trespasseth not in judgment.
11
ThomsonJustice is that which turneth the scales with the Lord. And His works are of just weight.
BrentonThe poise of the balance is righteousness with the Lord; and his works are righteous measures.
GreekῬοπὴ ζυγοῦ δικαιοσύνη παρὰ Κυρίῳ, τὰ δὲ ἔργα αὐτοῦ στάθμια δίκαια.
KJVA just weight and balance are the LORD’s: all the weights of the bag are his work.
JPSA just balance and scales are the LORD’S; All the weights of the bag are His work.
12
ThomsonAn evil doer is an abomination to a king: for the throne of government is established by righteousness.
BrentonAn evil-doer is an abomination to a king; for the throne of rule is established by righteousness.
GreekΒδέλυγμα βασιλεῖ ὁ ποιῶν κακὰ, μετὰ γὰρ δικαιοσύνης ἑτοιμάζεται θρόνος ἀρχῆς.
KJVIt is an abomination to kings to commit wickedness: for the throne is established by righteousness.
JPSIt is an abomination to kings to commit wickedness; For the throne is established by righteousness.
13
ThomsonRighteous lips are acceptable to a king; and he loveth right words.
BrentonRighteous lips are acceptable to a king; and he loves right words.
GreekΔεκτὰ βασιλεῖ χείλη δίκαια, λόγους δέ ὀρθοὺς ἀγαπᾷ.
KJVRighteous lips are the delight of kings; and they love him that speaketh right.
JPSRighteous lips are the delight of kings; And they love him that speaketh right.
14
ThomsonThe wrath of a king is a messenger of death: but a wise man can pacify it.
BrentonThe anger of a king is a messenger of death; but a wise man will pacify him.
GreekΘυμὸ βασιλέως ἄγγελος θανάτου, ἀνὴρ δὲ σοφὸς ἐξιλάσεται αὐτόν.
KJVThe wrath of a king is as messengers of death: but a wise man will pacify it.
JPSThe wrath of a king is as messengers of death; But a wise man will pacify it.
15
ThomsonThe son of a king is in the light of life: and they who are acceptable to him are as an evening cloud.
BrentonThe son of a king is in the light of life; and they that are in favour with him are as a cloud of latter rain.
GreekἘν φωτὶ ζωῆς υἱὸς βασιλέως, οἱ δὲ προσδεκτοὶ αὐτῷ ὥσπερ νέφος ὄψιμον.
KJVIn the light of the king’s countenance is life; and his favour is as a cloud of the latter rain.
JPSIn the light of the king’s countenance is life; And his favour is as a cloud of the latter rain.
16
ThomsonThe productions of wisdom are better than gold: and the productions of prudence are better than silver.
BrentonThe brood of wisdom is more to be chosen than gold, and the brood of prudence more to be chosen than silver.
GreekΝοσσιαὶ σοφίας αἱρετώτεραι χρυσίου, νοσσιαὶ δὲ φρονήσεως αἱρετώτεραι ὑπὲρ ἀργύριον.
KJVHow much better is it to get wisdom than gold! and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver!
JPSHow much better is it to get wisdom than gold! Yea, to get understanding is rather to be chosen than silver.
17
ThomsonThe paths of life turn aside from evils: and the ways of righteousness are length of life. He who receiveth instruction shall enjoy good: and he who regardeth reproofs shall be wise. He who watcheth his own ways preserveth his soul: and he who loveth his life will be sparing of his mouth.
BrentonThe paths of life turn aside from evil; and the ways of righteousness are length of life. He that receives instruction shall be in prosperity; and he that regards reproofs shall be made wise. He that keeps his ways, preserves his own soul; and he that loves his life will spare his mouth.
GreekΤρίβοι ζωῆς ἐκκλίνουσιν ἀπὸ κακῶν, μῆκος δὲ βίου ὁδοὶ δικαιοσύνης. Ὁ δεχόμενος παιδείαν ἐν ἀγαθοῖς ἔσται, ὁ δὲ φυλάσσων ἐλέγχους σοφισθήσεται· ὃς φυλάσσει τὰς ἑαυτοῦ ὁδοὺς, τηρεῖ τὴν ἑαυτοῦ ψυχήν· ἀγαπῶν δὲ ζωὴν αὐτοῦ, φείσεται στόματος αὐτοῦ.
KJVThe highway of the upright is to depart from evil: he that keepeth his way preserveth his soul.
JPSThe highway of the upright is to depart from evil; He that keepeth his way preserveth his soul.
18
ThomsonPride goeth before destruction: and a haughty spirit before a fall.
BrentonPride goes before destruction, and folly before a fall.
GreekΠρὸ συντριβῆς ἡγεῖται ὕβρις, πρὸ δὲ πτώματος κακοφροσύνη.
KJVPride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.
JPSPride goeth before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall.
19
ThomsonA man of a gentle spirit with humility is better than he who divideth spoils with scorners.
BrentonBetter is a meek-spirited man with lowliness, than one who divides spoils with the proud.
GreekΚρείσσων πρᾳΰθυμος μετὰ ταπεινώσεως, ἢ ὃς διαιρεῖται σκῦλα μετὰ ὑβριστῶν.
KJVBetter it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud.
JPSBetter it is to be of a lowly spirit with the humble, Than to divide the spoil with the proud.
20
ThomsonA man intelligent in business is an inventer of good things: but most happy is he whose trust is in God.
BrentonHe who is skilful in business finds good: but he that trusts in God is most blessed.
GreekΣυνετὸς ἐν πράγμασιν εὑρετὴς ἀγαθῶν, πεποιθὼς δὲ ἐπὶ Θεῷ μακαριστός.
KJV—
JPS—
21
ThomsonThe wise and prudent are called crafty; and they who are sweet in discourse will be more listened to.
BrentonMen call the wise and understanding evil: but they that are pleasing in speech shall hear more.
GreekΤοὺς σοφοὺς καὶ συνετοὺς φαύλους καλοῦσιν, οἱ δὲ γλυκεῖς ἐν λόγῳ πλείονα ἀκούσονται.
KJV—
JPS—
22
ThomsonUnderstanding is a fountain of life to them who possess it: but the instruction of fools is evil.
BrentonUnderstanding is a fountain of life to its possessors; but the instruction of fools is evil.
GreekΠηγὴ ζωῆς ἔννοια τοῖς κεκτημένοις, παιδεία δὲ ἀφρόνων κακή.
KJVUnderstanding is a wellspring of life unto him that hath it: but the instruction of fools is folly.
JPSUnderstanding is a fountain of life unto him that hath it; But folly is the chastisement of fools.
23
ThomsonThe heart of a wise man will consider the words of his mouth: and on his lips he will carry knowledge.
BrentonThe heart of the wise will discern the things which proceed from his own mouth; and on his lips he will wear knowledge.
GreekΚαρδία σοφοῦ νοήσει τὰ ἀπὸ τοῦ ἰδίου στόματος, ἐπὶ δὲ χείλεσι φορέσει ἐπιγνωμοσύνην·
KJVThe heart of the wise teacheth his mouth, and addeth learning to his lips.
JPSThe heart of the wise teacheth his mouth, And addeth learning to his lips.
24
ThomsonGood words are a honeycomb: and the sweetness thereof is health to the soul.
BrentonGood words are honeycombs, and the sweetness thereof is a healing of the soul.
GreekΚηρία μέλιτος λόγοι καλοί, γλύκασμα δὲ αὐτοῦ ἴασις ψυχῆς.
KJVPleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.
JPSPleasant words are as a honeycomb, Sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.
25
ThomsonThere are ways which seem right to a man: but the latter ends of them look to the bottom of Hades.
BrentonThere are ways that seem to be right to a man, but the end of them looks to the depth of hell.
GreekΕἰσὶν ὁδοὶ δοκοῦσαι εἶναι ὀρθαὶ ἀνδρὶ, τὰ μέντοι τελευταῖα αὐτῶν βλέπει εἰς πυθμένα ᾅδου.
KJVThere is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.
JPSThere is a way which seemeth right unto a man, But the end thereof are the ways of death.
26
ThomsonA man by labour laboureth for himself; and wardeth off his own destruction.
BrentonA man who labours, labours for himself, and drives from him his own ruin.
GreekἈνὴρ ἐν πόνοις πονεῖ ἑαυτῷ, καὶ ἐκβιάζεται τὴν ἀπώλειαν ἑαυτοῦ. Ὁ μέντοι σκολιὸς ἐπὶ τῷ ἑαυτοῦ στόματι φορεῖ τὴν ἀπώλειαν·
KJV—
JPS—
27
ThomsonHe who is utterly perverse carrieth destruction in his mouth. A man void of understanding diggeth up evils for himself; and treasureth up fire with his lips.
BrentonBut the perverse bears destruction upon his own mouth: a foolish man digs up evil for himself, and treasures fire on his own lips.
Greekἀνὴρ ἄφρων ὀρύσσει ἑαυτῷ κακὰ, ἐπὶ δὲ τῶν ἑαυτοῦ χειλέων θησαυρίζει πῦρ.
KJVAn ungodly man diggeth up evil: and in his lips there is as a burning fire.
JPSAn ungodly man diggeth up evil, And in his lips there is as a burning fire.
28
ThomsonA froward man spreadeth mischief. He will light up a lamp of deceit for evils; and he separateth them who were friends.
BrentonA perverse man spreads mischief, and will kindle a torch of deceit with mischiefs; and he separates friends.
GreekἈνὴρ σκολιὸς διαπέμπεται κακὰ, καὶ λαμπτῆρα δόλου πυρσεύσει κακοῖς, καὶ διαχωρίζει φίλους.
KJV—
JPS—
29
ThomsonThe man who is a transgressor enticeth friends and leadeth them in ways which are not good.
BrentonA transgressor tries to ensnare friends, and leads them in ways that are not good.
GreekἈνὴρ παράνομος ἀποπειρᾶται φίλων, καὶ ἀπάγει αὐτοὺς ὁδοὺς οὐκ ἀγαθάς.
KJV—
JPS—
30
ThomsonAnd he who fixeth his eyes and deviseth froward things, and with his mouth enforceth all his evil purposes, is a very furnace of wickedness.
BrentonAnd the man that fixes his eyes devises perverse things, and marks out with his lips all evils: he is a furnace of wickedness.
GreekΣτηρίζων δὲ ὀφθαλμοὺς αὐτοῦ διαλογίζεται διεστραμμένα, ὁρίζει δὲ τοῖς χείλεσιν αὐτοῦ πάντα τὰ κακά· οὗτος κάμινός ἐστι κακίας.
KJVHe shutteth his eyes to devise froward things: moving his lips he bringeth evil to pass.
JPSHe shutteth his eyes, it is to devise froward things; He that biteth his lips bringeth evil to pass.
31
ThomsonOld age is a crown of glory when found in the ways of righteousness.
BrentonOld age is a crown of honour, but it is found in the ways of righteousness.
GreekΣτέφανος καυχήσεως γῆρας, ἐν δὲ ὁδοῖς δικαιοσύνης εὑρίσκεται.
KJVThe hoary head is a crown of glory, if it be found in the way of righteousness.
JPSThe hoary head is a crown of glory, It is found in the way of righteousness.
32
ThomsonA man who is slow to wrath is better than the mighty; and he who subdueth anger is better than he who taketh a city,
BrentonA man slow to anger is better than a strong man; and he that governs his temper better than he that takes a city.
GreekΚρείσσων ἀνὴρ μακρόθυμος ἰσχυροῦ, ὁ δὲ κρατῶν ὀργῆς κρείσσων καταλαμβανομένου πόλιν.
KJVHe that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.
JPSHe that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; And he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.
33
ThomsonAll things come upon the wicked into their bosoms: but from the Lord, all things which are just.
BrentonAll evils come upon the ungodly into their bosoms; but all righteous things come of the Lord.
GreekΕἰς κόλπους ἐπέρχεται πάντα τοῖς ἀδίκοις, παρὰ δὲ Κυρίου πάντα τὰ δίκαια.
KJV—
JPS—